Dzagoev: Czech Republic supporters made it hard for Russia

09/06/2012 9:35:00 AM

The CSKA star is eager to give credit to their opponents, despite cruising to a comfortable defeat on Friday evening, and is now looking forward to his team's clash with Poland

Alan Dzagoev has intimated that Czech Republic's fans made for a tough match, even though Russia eventually went on to record a 4-1 victory in their opening match of Euro 2012.

The 21-year-old played a crucial part in Friday's victory by opening the scoring early on and sealing the win for Dick Advocaat's troops with only 10 minutes remaining.

Despite playing in Wroclaw, a large number of fans travelled from neighbouring Czech Republic to watch the game, a scenario which the attacker acknowledged.

"It's always difficult to play against teams that are playing at home," Dzagoev told reporters. "Their fans push them on to score and win [the game]."

Meanwhile, fellow Russia team-mate Yuri Zhirkov added: "The Czech team played respectably but we scored more and won.

"There was a worry [at 2-1] but we overcame it. Thanks to Dzagoev, who scored the third goal. It got easier."

Next up for Russia in Group A are co-hosts Poland on Tuesday.

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